Climate change activists gathered in front of Kiama’s NAB branch with one message – don’t lend another dollar to Whitehaven Coal.

The protest is part of the Move Beyond Coal movement – in partnership with the national multifaith group Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) – that aims to achieve a cessation of coal mining by 2030.

The movement’s spotlight is shining on NAB for funding the leading Australian producer of coal, which plans to double its production within the next decade.

“This is the 31st action that’s happening this week across the country,” says Gerry Kelly, volunteer of the Tipping Point organisation who put together the campaign.

They are calling on NAB to immediately end all forms of finance to coal industry companies, beginning with Whitehaven Coal, and end all forms of finance for coal, oil and gas by 2030.

Organiser Gerry Kelly outside the bank

“We called out their greenwashing which is basically what they do. They sponsor the AFL so their name gets associated with healthy sports yet they're contributing to climate change,” Gerry says.

Convener of the Kiama and South Coast ARRCC branch, Denis Quinn, says, “From a recent report, the United Nations Secretary General said there is need for urgent and escalated action in terms of the cessation of coal mining and we need to make an urgent shift to renewable energy.

“On the basis of NAB’s commitment to reach zero emissions by 2050, they’ve got to cut back and cease the funding of Whitehaven Coal and its planned expansion.

“Funding them is like a carbon dioxide bomb.”

In Denis’ speech made at the protest, he said, “Since 2016, NAB has loaned hundreds of millions of dollars to Whitehaven, including most recently a loan of $110 million in 2020.”

The protesters put new lyrics to favourite songs!

He continued, “The world’s scientists warn that all coal expansion must stop immediately to avoid runaway climate change. We cannot afford another dollar for coal.”

The group of protestors sang parodies to the songs Y.M.C.A. and We Will Rock You, changing the words to “why N A B” and “we will, we will stop you” before jumping on their phones to send a direct message to NAB executives.

The protests will continue in front of NAB branches across the nation for 10 days until 5 April.